DNV GL to class two CMHI-built decommissioning rigs

The Letter of Intent (LoI) for the classification of two multi-activity jack-up units (MAUs) was signed at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston yesterday. The 96m long units will be purpose-built for the decommissioning market and construction is scheduled to start later this year.

“We are very pleased that OOS Energy and China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) have chosen DNV GL as the classification partner for this project. We welcome OOS as a new customer for classification and highly value their trust in DNV GL. This project with CMHI marks the continuation of a very fruitful relationship, and we look forward to undertaking many more projects with CMHI in the future,” said Ernst Meyer, director of Offshore Classification at DNV GL – Maritime.

Learn more about offshore decommissioining at Seatrade Maritime Middle East

“DNV GL has demonstrated an excellent level of service during the last project we worked on in our yard, a 400K Valemax II VLOC and mid/deep water semi-submersible drilling unit. We appreciate DNV GL’s solutions orientated approach and that their experts are service-minded, while never compromising on quality. Through this project, our relationship will become even closer and stronger. We look forward to working with DNV GL in the future, with more comprehensive cooperation for other ship type segments,” said CMHI (Jiangsu) gm Yao Rulin.

“After review of the options available, OOS Energy elected DNV GL to be the class society for its new MAUs. The decision has been based on the strong presence of DNV GL in the market that OOS Energy is targeting with these unique units. We furthermore like the professionalism and level of quality assurance from the DNV GL experts,” said Cor Selen, ceo co-owner/ founder of OOS Energy. These new units will be the company’s first to be classed by DNV GL.

The two identical four-legged, self-elevating MAUs will be used in decommissioning operations. “This means that the MAUs will be equipped for light drilling operations to close wells. In addition, they can deconstruct the top side of an oil rig’s structure, and remove the jacket structure which goes right down to the sea floor,” explained Bas Veerman, business development manager Benelux at DNV GL – Maritime. Two cranes, one with a maximum hook height of 92m and one with a maximum hook height of 122m above deck and a combined lifting capacity of 2,400 tons, can work in tandem to dismantle decommissioned offshore structures, lifting parts onto the MAU’s own deck, before transporting them back to shore. The unit is also equipped to install next generation wind turbines.

The MAUs will be able to operate in 55m water depth in harsh conditions such as those found in the North Sea. In benign circumstances the units can operate in 80m of water depth. The units will be self-propelled by four steerable thrusters, and are also equipped with a dynamic positioning system (DP2 system), ensuring safe positioning near the platform. Four dual fuel main generators, located in two separate engine rooms, provide power for propulsion, cranes, the drilling package and all auxiliary functions.

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